Sabtu, 22 Desember 2012

Exploring Jeju-Do: NATURAL WONDERS

Because of its volcanic history,
Jeju-do has some fascinating basalt rock formations, lovely beaches, stunning
waterfalls, and other natural phenomena to explore.

Bijarim Forest

Designated a natural monument, this
pine forest has about 2,800 trees, ranging from 500 to 800 years old. This is
the largest bija namu (torreya tree) forest in the world. The oldest tree of
all of these beauties can be found in the middle of the forest. Looming over
25m (82 ft.) tall with a girth of about 6m (20 ft.), it is called the ancestor
of all the bija trees. There is a nice path provided for a leisurely walk
through the forest.

Cheonjiyeon
Waterfall

Not to be confused with the
Cheonjeyeon waterfall in the Jungmun Resort, the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is
located in a narrow valley in the coastal hills near Seogwipo Port. Its name
means “where the sky (cheon) meets the land (ji).” Especially nice in the
evening (when they light the water), the path to the waterfall is through a
lush garden of subtropical plants. The pond into which the water falls is home
to migrating ducks and the Korean marbled eel, one of many national treasures.

Jeongbang Waterfall

One of the three most famous falls
on Jeju-do, the Jeongbang Waterfall is said to be the only one in Asia in which
the water falls into the ocean. The water falling from 23m (75 ft.) is a
dramatic sight to behold. Be sure to wear shoes with good traction since the
only way down is a set of steel steps and the rocks get slippery from the
water. If you walk about 300m (984 ft.) east, you’ll see a smaller fall, the
Sojeongbang Waterfall, a cool place to beat the summer heat.

Jusangjeolli
Cliffs

Thousands of years
ago, when Hallasan was an active volcano, the lava flowing down to the ocean
created the Jusangjeolli Cliffs, off the Jungmun Daepo Coast. The rocks that
make up these cliffs have been sculpted by the elements into a series of
hexagonal and cubic pillars. The rock formations look like they’ve been hardcarved,
though they are solely the work of Mother Nature.

Manjang-gul
(Manjang Cave)

The world’s largest
lava cave, Manjang-gul was created centuries ago, back when Hallasan was still
an active volcano. Only the first kilometer (half mile) of the 13km (8-mile)
cave is open to the public, but that’s enough to give you a good glimpse of its
impressive rock formations and stalactites. The inside temperature is always
cool no matter how hot it is outside. Although the cave is well lit, watch your
step because the humidity makes the rocks slippery.

Sanbang-gulsa
(Sanbang Grotto)

Local legend has it
that the top of Mt. Halla was taken off and thrown away, and that piece became
Mt. Sanbang. On the southwestern side of Sanbangsan is Sanbang-gul, which used
to be called Sanbang Cave, but now is called a grotto since it houses a Buddha
statue. This 5m-high (16-ft.) cave is where monk Hye-Il lived during the Goryeo
Dynasty. From inside the cave, you can see Marado (Mara Island) and Yongmeoli
Haebyeon (Dragon Head Beach) , where Sanbangsan
stretches into the ocean and looks as if a dragon’s head is going underwater. The
entrance fee includes both Sanbang-gulsa and Yongmeoli Haebyeon.

Sangumburi
Crater

One of three major
craters on the island, Sangumburi crater was, like the rest, a result of
volcanic activity. But unlike Hallasan, this one exploded quickly, spewed
relatively little lava, and left barely a trace of cone behind. In other words,
if you want to see an extinct volcano, but don’t feel like climbing, this is
the one to visit. There is a well-paved path from the parking lot to the
crater’s rim. You can walk around part of the rim, but the rest of it and the
crater itself are off-limits. Around the grounds are several traditional
Jeju-style grave sites as well. Unfortunately, none of the buses from Seogwipo
stops here, so you’ll have to take a taxi.

Sarabong
(Sara Peak)

This mountain rises
above nearby Jeju port with a lighthouse that sits on the shore at its foot. A
small temple Sarasa is also nestled on its hillside. You’ll find the area
dotted with young couples coming to watch the romantic sunset over the ocean.
But the show doesn’t end when the sun goes down; stay a bit longer to watch the
lights go up on Tap-dong and the lights of the fishing boats dotting the nearby
waters. On the southeastern (inland) side of the mountain is the shrine Mochungsa,
built in commemoration of those who fought against the Japanese occupation of Korea
during the early part of the last century.

Seongsan
Ilchulbong (“Sunrise Peak”)

This parasitic
volcano rose from the sea about 100,000 years ago. The southeastern and northern
side of the crater are cliffs, but the northwestern side is a grassy hillside
that connects to Seongsanpo (Seongsan Village). The ridge is good for a nice
walk or a horseback ride. Bright yellow with rapeseed flowers in the
springtime, it’s worth an early-morning climb to see the spectacular sunrise
from the peak.